Meet Sam*

Sam loves action figures, playing with dinosaurs and watching TV. He also loves lizards – so much so that he has a pet lizard. Who knows how many stories he’s told his pet lizard? Or how many times he’s clinged to his pet when everything else around him was chaos?

Sam’s birth mom is out of state and can’t be reached. His birth dad was recently arrested and has an extensive criminal history. At 7, Sam has probably witnessed events that would shock adults.

And yet, Sam is a good boy who does well in school. He doesn’t have any reported behavior issues.

Like the over 13,000 children in Georgia’s foster care system, one day Sam’s whole life changed. He had to leave his home, his clothes, his family, his neighborhood, his toys, his pillow – everything, including his pet lizard.

But his FaithBridge intake coordinator noticed the pet lizard. She asked Sam’s foster mom if she would be willing to take the lizard too. She said yes.

It may be a small gesture to some, but to a child like Sam it can make a world of difference. Being able to keep a beloved pet during a time of transition can help in many tangible and intangible ways.

Want to know how you can help make a difference for another child like Sam? Become a FaithBridge foster family, respite family, volunteer or start a foster care ministry at your church!

* At FaithBridge, we respect the children and families we serve. So while their stories are true, names and images may have been changed to protect their privacy.